No one can characterize the state of West Virginia as a desert. We have so much water to enjoy throughout the state: creeks, rivers, reservoirs, waterfalls. But did you know that for all that water, there’s only one natural lake in the whole state? And it’s slowly disappearing from sight.

Believe it or not, there’s only one natural lake in all of West Virginia.

Mark Domanski/Google Maps That lake is located in Hardy County, and you may have heard of it; it’s called Trout Pond (formerly, it was known as Old Pond).

For many years, Trout Pond fluctuated between 2-3 acres in size.

Bruce Hankins/Google Maps But it was created by a natural sinkhole in an area full of underground limestone that is slowly dissolving away…

…and about 20 years ago, a cave must have shifted somewhere underneath this area, because Trout Pond began to slowly (but noticeably) disappear.

Rosemary Curry/Google Maps Now, almost 20 years later, Trout Pond is down from 3 acres in size to a mere puddle (as seen in this photo from September of 2019).

But there is another man-made body of water right next to Trout Pond that’s doing just fine, size-wise, at Trout Pond Recreation Area: Rockcliff Lake.

Dmitry Kroz/Google Maps It’s a beautiful lake fed by a babbling brook, with interesting rock formations and forests all around, and you can boat, hike, and swim on the beach at this lake.

There’s also camping at the Trout Pond Recreation Area, making for a fun weekend getaway to a beautiful spot with plenty to do…

Tracy Toler/Google Maps …even if you can’t see much of West Virginia’s single, slowly disappearing natural lake any more.

Did you get to see Trout Pond back when it was a larger lake? Did you realize how significantly it has shrunk in size since then? But thankfully Rockcliffe Lake is still a beautiful, vibrant spot. Definitely add it to your list of great camping/hiking/swimming spots in West Virginia!

Mark Domanski/Google Maps

That lake is located in Hardy County, and you may have heard of it; it’s called Trout Pond (formerly, it was known as Old Pond).

Bruce Hankins/Google Maps

But it was created by a natural sinkhole in an area full of underground limestone that is slowly dissolving away…

Rosemary Curry/Google Maps

Now, almost 20 years later, Trout Pond is down from 3 acres in size to a mere puddle (as seen in this photo from September of 2019).

Dmitry Kroz/Google Maps

It’s a beautiful lake fed by a babbling brook, with interesting rock formations and forests all around, and you can boat, hike, and swim on the beach at this lake.

Tracy Toler/Google Maps

…even if you can’t see much of West Virginia’s single, slowly disappearing natural lake any more.

To learn more about this area, visit the Trout Pond Recreation Area website.

For another man-made lake (plus a resort!) to enjoy this summer in West Virginia, try this article.

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 814 Trout Pond Campground Rd, Lost City, WV 26810, USA